Because human nature seems to have a built-in bias towards looking to the future, rather than fully enjoying or dealing with what is presented to us right now, psychology experts constantly remind us of the importance of living in “The Now.”

So, in the tradition of offering a light reminder of the importance of living in the present, there is a poem (attributed to Robert H. Smith in the version I found) which sums up why we should focus more on the present. No doubt some readers will already be familiar with it.

Here are the two key verses:

The clock of life is wound but onceAnd no-one has the powerTo tell just when the hands will stopAt late or early hour.

The present only is our ownSo live, love, and toil with a willPlace no faith in “Tomorrow”For the clock may then be still.

Paying attention to the future and being optimistic about its potential is important, but putting too much energy towards the path ahead may mean missing important opportunities on the path we are walking today.